Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier has accomplished a lot over her past 25-year career. Celebrating her milestones and her new record Dark Enough to See the Stars, she is bringing ‘An Evening with Mary Gauthier: A Career Retrospective Show’ to the Edwards Opera House on Sept. 16.
Photo by Chad Cochran.
Her eleventh album, Dark Enough To See The Stars, follows her celebrated debut book, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, and Rifles & Rosary Beads, her 2018 album that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album and an Album of the Year nomination from the Americana Music Association. The record follows Gauthier as she navigates the world of dealing with trauma after losing people close to her, reflecting both love and loss over ten songs.
Mary Gauthier’s early work, which began at 35, reflected her newfound sobriety and delved into events from a troubled life, which persisted after she became a renowned chef in Boston. Over the course of her discography, she has never shied away from difficult topics such as self-reflection and exploration, telling her life story to eager ears. She has earned deep respect and admiration for her thoughtful and introspective songwriting and storytelling amongst fans and fellow artists.
Photo by Alexa King Stone.
Blake Shelton’s cover of “I Drink” and Jimmy Buffet’s take on “Wheel Inside the Wheel” are just a few examples of the artists who have recorded her songs. She has multiple lifetimes worth of experiences that inform her music and her deep understanding of human emotions. Although recovery, healing, and self-acceptance are never-ending, Gauthier has gone from being the wounded to being the healer, using her music to help others through their own hard times.
She has proven to be one of the most sincere and poignant voices in music. In recent years, she has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, NPR Music, Rolling Stone Country, CBS This Morning, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and so much more. The Americana Music Association UK named her International Artist of the Year in 2019.
Tickets for ‘An Evening with Mary Gauthier: A Career Retrospective Show’ at the Edwards Opera House are on sale now.
Northern Current is back for another year of live music on Labor Day weekend. The annual free festival takes place on Sept. 3 at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake. The celebration gets underway at Noon and runs until 9:30 PM.
Located at the base of Lake Flower, Riverside Park provides a picturesque setting for the event. The festival looks to celebrate the beauty and richness of Saranac Lake and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Northern Current is focused on enriching the cultural and artistic diversity of the town by presenting a diverse set of performing artists. This year’s lineup features offerings of Rock, Blues, R&B, Afrobeat, Americana, Old Time Folk, Jazz, Country, and more.
www.northerncurrentadk.org
Headlining Northern Current is Canadian outfit Bywater Call. The group’s blend of rock, blues, and R&B results in a soulful and powerful sound. Standout vocalist Megan Parnell fits perfectly with the cascade of horns and noisy guitars that usually features in Bywater Call’s music. Together the group has carved out a lane somewhere between Southern Soul and modern blues-rock.
Local bands High on the Hog and Midnight Stargazers will open up the festival. Other New York acts include Afro-funk outfit Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and Americana pairing Richie & Rosie. The festival will also feature Huntress & the Holder of Hands, The Soggy Po Boys, Badenyah Drum & Dance, and DiTrani Brothers.
In addition to live music, Northern Current boasts a designated “kid zone,” merchandise, and local food vendors. The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. Visit here for details and information about the event.
Brew York has announced it will return to Madison Barracks Polo Fields in Sackets Harbor on Aug. 26 featuring a wide variety of bands and activities.
Brew York is an all ages event (kids 12 and under free) and features live music on two stages, as well as Beer, wine, & whiskey vendors, free tastings, food trucks, cornhole tournament, kids zone, and select craft/artisan vendors. Now in its seventh year, Brew York continues to showcase local, regional, and national acts.
Headlining this year’s festival is The Cold Stares, an American rock band from Indiana formed in 2009. The Cold Stares have toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the US and Europe with a fierce, and powerful live show that belied their bare-bones, guitar-and-drums setup. Now, the band is embracing a whole new kind of chemistry as they launch their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the power trio sound with their explosive new album, Voices.
Also, headlining is The Georgia Thunderbolts, a Southern rock-infused group with a style steeped in soulful Southern swagger, blistering blues, and raw rock. Released in October of 2021, the quintet’s full-length debut Can We Get A Witness conjures a tried-and-true spirit through a fresh fire, with undeniable anthems and pulse-pounding percussion.
The Brew York lineup also includes Mike Powell & The Echosound, The Old Main, Josh Cox & The Rattlesnakes, Undefeated, The Grizzly Ridge Band, Bread & Circuses, Joey Collins & The Creatives, and a Dusk Dance Party with “The Strictly Hip.”
Proceeds and event donations will be split this year between sponsors and Fighting Children’s Cancer, with their newly established ROCC Charity. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Delaney Silvernell is known best in New York State for ascending from a Queensbury local to a sensational contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Delaney has made notable strides in her musical career since her debut at age 21.
Playing shows in Los Angeles and New York, Delaney has put her singer-songwriter skills on display, amassing over 350k streams on Spotify alone through her signature blend of pop and R&B. Five years – and many captivating singles – since the voice, Delaney is planning a Northeast Tour at the end of the summer, which will feature her newest EP, Blue Dream.
While Delaney Silvernell is currently an independent artist based in Los Angeles, her journey began many miles away. Originally from the Adirondack region of Queensbury, Delaney knew from a young age that music was her passion.
I’ve been a musician for as long as I can remember, and it doesn’t really feel like a conscious decision I made to become one. Music was really the only thing that fueled me and helped me make sense of the world around me. So, it seemed like my natural path.
Delaney Silvernell
Following her natural trajectory, Delaney moved away from her hometown at 17 to pursue her musical education, studying Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. After graduating in 2017, Delaney was immediately cast as a contestant on season 15 of NBC’s The Voice. Her audition immediately caught the attention of coach Kelly Clarkson. Primarily coached by Kelly Clarkson, Delaney was further coached on screen by music industry greats such as Mariah Carey, Adam Levine, and Thomas Rhett.
After Delaney’s debut at age 21, Delaney has spent the past few years crafting her own space in music. She has played shows in Los Angeles and New York, while independently releasing original music which has been widely successful – amassing over 350k streams on Spotify alone.
Delaney’s music explores her emotions in a real, raw way that captivate audiences with a combination of vulnerable lyrics and powerful vocals. She rides rebelliously on the borders of genres such as R&B/Soul, Pop, Alternative, Blues, and more as she doesn’t believe her artistry can be confined by the boarders of one category. Delaney tries to create music that gives people space to feel deeply and unapologetically, and find peace in those emotions. Such music is often created alongside those who support her musical growth.
I draw inspiration from my life experiences, as well as that of those around me. I find inspiration in sorting out complicated emotions, and truly hope my songs help others do the same. My creative process varies, but my creative team is a pretty consistent group of my friends, which makes it that much more fun.
Blue Dream
Delaney’s most recent EP, Blue Dream, features 4 songs ranging from folk-pop to soulful genres. The project has already been premiered at one of LA’s most famous venues, The Troubadour, and will be performed in multiple cities throughout New York State through Delaney’s upcoming Northeast Tour.
While each song featured in Blue Dream is a work of art in its own right, when asked about her favorite piece, Delaney described her favorite song as one that has truly come full circle.
It’s impossible to pick a favorite, because they all have a special place in my heart. I do love “Wildflower,” though, because it was such a unique process to create it. “Wildflower” originated as a poem I wrote during a sleepless night back in college. A few years later, I stumbled upon the lyrics with a whole new perspective on life, and was able to put them to music and grow the song into what it is today.
Upcoming Projects
Blue Dream is only the first of many ambitious projects Delany’s future holds. Delaney has already begun writing her first full length album, and plans to return to the studio to finish recording it following her tour at the end of the summer. In the meantime, she will be releasing a live album from her recent performance at one of Los Angeles’ most famous venues, The Troubadour.
Delaney’s successful singles and EPs hold promise for equally engaging full length albums. In her continuous journey of exploring complicated emotions, Delaney detailed one of her unreleased songs as one of the most difficult to write in her career.
My most difficult song to write is actually still unreleased. It’s called “Dark Side of the Moon,” and I co-wrote it with my friend and producer, Alisse Laymac. “Dark Side of the Moon,” details my healing process from self-sabotaging the good things in my life. Being honest about that and putting that feeling into words was difficult, but so healing and cathartic.
Tour Dates
Currently, Delaney Silvernell is building a tour around the following dates in New York State:
Additionally, Delaney is securing a date at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC in late August or early September, the date to be announced. She plans to visit other New England-area venues as well. Once all tour dates have been secured, an official press release will be announced.
Delaney’s authentic approach to music, alongside her captivating, soulful lyrics and sound truly make her one of a kind. Be sure to listen to her music on Spotify, and check out her website for more tour updates.
The Sackets Harbor Historical Society recently announced its Concerts on the Waterfront Series. The performances will take place each Sunday from June 25 to September 3 and are free to the public. With its lakeview and beautiful scenery, Sackets Harbor Battlefield will host each of the concerts.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor has long been associated with its military roots. The town became the Great Lakes headquarters for the United States during the War of 1812. Rich with history, Sackets Harbor celebrates its 39th season of music with this year’s Concerts on the Waterfront.
Visitors are recommended to bring their own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. More details and information can be found here.
Concerts on the Waterfront Lineup
July 16: Atlas
Atlas is an energetic group that plays everything from 80s hits to legendary soul and rock records. The group has opened for many prominent performers throughout its history, including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Patty LaBelle, and Earth, Wind and Fire.
July 23: The Jess Novak Band
Jess Novak is an immensely talented musician, who sings, writes, plays the fiddle and performs with powerful vocals. Along with Novak, the band is made up of Byron Cage, Anthony Saturno, Jabare McKinstry, and Gavin George. The Syracuse-based band performs pop, rock, and soul.
July 30: Letizia and the Z Band
Letizia and the Z Band are a multidimensional group focusing on 40s classics, 50s rock, Motown, disco, and 90s techno. Letizia’s captivating voice pairs well with horns, a guitar, and alto and tenor saxophones.
Aug 6: Hot Club of Saratoga
Mant of the songs Hot Club of Saratoga performs were written or recorded by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The band reflects his style while also expanding upon the “gypsy jazz” sound.
Aug 13: The Kim Pollard Band
Kim Pollard is a Canadian songwriter and performer who has a diverse set of original music. Together with her band, Pollard infuses blues, jazz, and funk into powerful ballads and spirituals.
Aug 20: 10th Mountain Division Army Band
The 10th Mountain Division Army Band is composed of 41 soldier-musicians, capable of performing in a variety of configurations, styles, and venues.
Aug 27: The Large Flowerheads
The Large Flowerheads channels the energy and sound of the 1960s. Their repertoire includes songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, Dusty Springfield, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees, and many more.
Sept 3: Maria DeSantis Orchestra
This legendary band features vocalists Keith Condon, Gary Branch, Michael Ranalli, and Maria DeSantis. The group is known for its signature big band sound which has been refined and perfected throughout the groups 70 year legacy.
Albany’s rising jam group Hilltop have unveiled their 2023 Summer Tour, taking them across New York, plus festival stops in Pennslyvania and the Catskills and a post Phish show in NYC.
Photo by Frank Cavone
Among the dates is a first ever show for Hilltop at Mercury Lounge in Manhattan, on August 3rd. During a non-consecutive 7-night run for Phish at Madison Square Garden, Hilltop jumps on an opportunity to play on one of the few nights off for Phish, bringing Thursday night funk to those looking to keep boogieing down in between Phish shows.
If you can’t catch them at Mercury Lounge, don’t miss Hilltop as they make a stop at Catskill Jubilee Music Festival in mid-August, featuring the Disco Biscuits headlining. More dates leading into the fall will be announced soon!
Get tickets for the Mercury Lounge show here and stay up to date on Hilltop here.
Hilltop Summer Tour 2023
6/23 – Red Square – Burlington, VT 6/24 – The Listening Room at East Coast Van Builds – Bradford, VT 7/8 – Rock the Dock Music Festival – Lake George, NY 7/14 – Riverboat Bar – Alexandria Bay, NY 7/28 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY 8/3 – MERCURY LOUNGE – New York, NY * 8/10-13 – Catskill Jubilee – East Durham, NY 8/16 – The Fire – Philadelphia, PA 8/17 – Stella Blues Bar – New Haven, CT
The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.
Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.
“Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat.
More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.
Concert Lineup
July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues
July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock
July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers
July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock
August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits
August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues
August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer
August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades
Saranac Lake’s Music on the Green concert series is back for another year of summer programming. Located in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake has been hosting the concert series for a decade.
Music on the Green runs from July 5 through August 9 and takes place every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm. All the concerts are held at Riverside Park and are free to the public. The series aims to shine a spotlight on Saranac Lake’s downtown and arts scene.
Since its inception in 2013, Music on the Green has brought 60 different music groups from various genres to the mountains. This year artists from all over New York and Vermont will make their way to Saranac Lake to share offerings of rock, jazz, soul, country, and more.
Summer Lineup:
July 5: Los Blancos- a roots and blues group from Syracuse
July 12: Fenimore Blues- a blues and rock outfit based out of Saratoga Springs
July 19: Freight- an Ithaca alt-country group
July 26: Mo’ Mojo- a zydeco band looking to channel the spirit of New Orleans
August 2: High & Mighty Brass Band- a groovy Brooklyn jazz brass ensemble with hints of hip-hop
August 9: Mal Maïz- Vermont musicians with a unique take Cumbia and other Latin sounds
The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA) announced its newly expanded 2023 Adirondack Lakes Theatre Festival (ALTF), formerly known as the Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival.
Located in the village of Blue Mountain Lake, ALTF is adding two productions to its former three-show lineup. The festival runs from June 16 to October 7, with performances and activities extending into fall and winter. ALTF’s 2023 season, “Back in Blue, Act III: The Magic Continues!” marks ALCA’s triumphant return to live events.
This year, the festival opens with perennial favorite Forever Wild at the arts center. Four touring productions follow, including the romantic comedy Southern Comforts by Kathleen Clark, the free outdoor Shakespeare in the Parks production of The Tempest, the feel-good musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and a world premiere of the play The Cure by local playwright Fred Glover.
Forever Wild
Forever Wild is a hilarious song and skit show produced and performed by your Adirondack neighbors. The show returns to the arts center with performances on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $10 and available at the door. Directed by Karen Butters, the play will feature beloved classics and fresh material, guaranteed to bring laughter.
Southern Comforts
The play Southern Comforts by Kathleen Clark is set in a sprawling New Jersey Victorian. A taciturn Yankee widower and a vivacious grandmother from Tennessee find what they least expected – a second chance at love.
Directed by Beth Glover and starring Jordan Hornstein and Natalie Luxford, the production opens at the arts center on Friday, July 7 at 7 p.m.
Additional performances include:
Tannery Pond Center in North Creek on Saturday, July 8 at 7 p.m.
View Arts in Old Forge on Sunday, July 9 at 3 p.m.
Tupper Lake Middle/High School auditorium on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $30, $25, and $10, and will be available on the arts center website.
The Tempest
The Tempest, a free, outdoor show at town parks, beaches, and campgrounds, is an abridged version of the Shakespeare classic by director Karen Lordi-Kirkham. Performances run from July 28-August 2. Venues include Arrowhead Park in Inlet, Overlook Pavilion in Newcomb, Sabattis Pavilion in Speculator, and Prospect Point Cottages in Blue Mountain Lake. Watch for more information on the art center’s website.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a charming musical that explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. The show will include such songs as “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” and the title song. It will feature a cast of talented singing actors from New York City and across the North Country.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. with book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner, additional dialogue by Michael Mayer, and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. These performances are presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.
Directed by George and Elizabeth Cordes, the production opens at the arts center on Friday, August 4, at 7 p.m.
Additional performances include:
Tannery Pond Center in North Creek on Saturday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
View Arts in Old Forge on Sunday, August 6 at 3 p.m.
Tupper Lake Middle/High School auditorium on Tuesday, August 8. at 7 p.m.
Indian Lake Theater on Wednesday, August 9, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $30, $25, and $10, and will be available on the arts center website.
The Cure
The Cure, a play written by Canton, NY, playwright Fred Glover, is inspired by actual people and events in Saranac Lake, NY, during the summer of 1936. A writer, Margaret, from New York City is seeking “the cure” for her case of tuberculosis at the famous Saranac Lake health resort. Her story intertwines with Dr. Edward Trudeau, a compassionate man dedicated to finding a cure during the late 1800s. The stories of Margaret and Dr. Trudeau combine to celebrate the importance of community in healing, and the many sides of the natural world while emphasizing the struggle to transcend a deadly pandemic.
The Cure will open at the arts center on Friday and Saturday, October 6 and 7, at 7 p.m. The show will tour to various schools and other venues through the fall and winter. Stay tuned for ticketing and other information on the art center’s website.
The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts is located at 3446 State Route 28 in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. More information and tickets on Adirondack Lakes Center Theatre Festival will be available on the arts center’s website.
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz will host some of the biggest and most recognizable voices in blues this summer. It all starts on June 17 when Dawn Tyler Watson and Curtis Salgado visit downtown-venue Retro Live. Then, on July 7, Grammy-nominated blues and funk artist Sugaray Rayford will perform at The Strand Center for the Arts.
Both events are put on by Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J), a non-profit organization that looks to promote and cultivate the arts and music scene in the Plattsburgh area. PB&J has brought the likes of Kenny Neal, Southern Avenue, John Nemeth, and Vanessa Collier to shores of Lake Champlain.
Dawn Tyler Watson
Dawn Tyler Watson is a Canadian Jazz and Blues artist that has been making music since the early 2000s. Through her career she’s captivated audiences with her energetic and passionate onstage performances. Her 2019 project titled Mad Love earned a Juno Award for Best Blues Album. She’s also picked up six Maple Blues Awards and a BMA nomination for Best Vocalist. Watson brings an impressive vocal range and hints of R&B to her music to create a truly unique and powerful sound.
Curtis Salgado, Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy
Curtis Salgado
Salgado has established himself as one of the most notable and respected blues musicians in the world. Salgado has featured in several influential and important blues groups including The Nighthawks, The Robert Cray Band, and Roomful of Blues. He has won multiple awards including Soul/Blues Album of the Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards for his album “Damage Control”. Salgado was also nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Sugaray Rayford
Sugaray Rayford is an American blues artist who has found the perfect balance between jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and of course blues. Rayford began singing in his local church at the age of 7, by 15 he was already the lead singer of San Diego band. His project Somebody Save Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He’s also won three Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.
